NATCHEZ — The Trinity Episcopal football team will look to advance to its third-straight state championship game tonight when the Saints travel to Mendenhall to face Simpson Academy.

But that state title is not on the Saints’ minds right now, assistant coach Bill James said.

“To get to state we have to win this game,” James said. “We tell the seniors they are guaranteed four more quarters of football, and that’s it.”

The South State Championship is also on the line tonight, and James said securing another South State title would be great for the players, but it will not come easy.

Simpson Academy comes into the contest as the only undefeated team left in MAIS AA. The Cougars use a run-based offense and feature one of the best running backs in the state in Cade Eiland, James said.

James said Simpson Academy would be aggressive on offense and defense.

“From what we’ve seen, they use man coverage and will try to pressure us,” James said. “We’re pretty much just going to do what we do. We’ve studied film (this week) and will adjust accordingly.”

Trinity will be forced to travel for tonight’s game, and James said it would be nice for the game to be in Natchez, but the Saints are up to the challenge of winning on the road as well.

“You always want to play at home,” James said. “It’s easier on the crowd, and you get into a routine at home. We’re not used to having to travel in the playoffs. But there are advantages to playing on the road.”

James said Trinity has been focused at practice this week and is ready for the South State title game tonight.

Trinity’s Tip McKenzie will also have the opportunity tonight to join an elite group of Mississippi High School football players.

With one touchdown tonight, McKenzie would become the seventh player in Mississippi to score 100 touchdowns in a career.

“I didn’t know he was that close,” James said. “That would be huge for him personally. That’s a great accomplishment, but I’m sure he’d trade that for a win.

“We don’t focus that much on stats around here, but it puts him in an elite group of players. Tip deserves it. Tip’s worked hard. But knowing him I’m sure he’d trade all those touchdowns for a win (tonight).”

Trinity (11-2) will travel to Mendenhall to play Simpson Academy (12-0) at 7 p.m. today.